A NEW discretionary energy rebate scheme is set to begin making payments to eligible households in the Braintree district to help with rising energy costs.

The scheme is available to households in council tax bands E-H who have been living in the Braintree district on or before April 1, 2022.

The Government has allocated £229,200 to Braintree Council for the discretionary scheme and households meeting the criteria will receive payments of £150, depending on the number of applications.

Braintree council finance boss John McKee said: “We’ve designed this discretionary fund to support those who need it most and we are aiming to issue payments and get this financial help out to households as quickly as possible.

“So far we have paid out over £7.3million to households in council tax bands A-D and this new fund gives many of those who weren’t eligible under previous schemes vital support as the cost of living continues to rise.”

Those who are eligible and currently pay their council tax by direct debit will have the payment issued automatically to their bank account as soon as possible.

Those who are eligible that do not pay by direct debit, including those who pay by standing order, will receive a letter inviting them to claim.

For more information, visit braintree.gov.uk/counciltaxrebate or call 01376 552525.